You Should Be Thanking Matt Smith for The Most Intense HoTD Finale Moment
House of the Dragon finale truly sent shivers down everyone's spines — and look who's behind it.
The decision to finish the season on Rhaenyra slowly turning to the camera from the fireplace as she processes the tragic news about her son Lucerys' death was perhaps one of the best moves made by House of the Dragon showrunners.
But was it about showrunners, really? In an interview with GQ , Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen) has shared that in fact, this scene is courtesy of Matt Smith ( Daemon Targaryen).
The actor, who uses they/them pronouns, revealed that Smith suggested that it should be Daemon who breaks the horrifying news about Lucerys to Rhaenyra.
"It was a sublime choice, and I could see it instantly. We've sort of touched on it, but I think losing a child, losing her son, it reframes grief immediately," D'Arcy said.
Before Smith came up with the idea, Emma was actually nervous about the scene, because they wanted to "find clarity with a new kind of earth-shaking piece of news".
D'Arcy called Smith a "genius" for coming up with the idea.
The final result ended up to be actually intense. With that heavy and angry glance that Rhaenyra gives us at the end of the episode promises nothing good for the Greens in season 2, because the Black Queen has just lost her son, and there is no turning back.
Fans have been left in awe after seeing that particular scene.
"The final scene of Rhaenyra hearing the news of Luke was absolutely amazing. Just the back of her and her body language was all that was needed to show the grief turning to rage. Absolutely wonderful." – @snefnyjenkins
And it looks like many people would like to see Smith injecting his ideas into the show more.
"If Matt Smith isn't already directing stuff he should look into it. Some of the best moments on camera this season came as a result of his ideas," Twitter user TheeLadyDivine said.
The scene was "impactful" and "powerful", according to fans, even though many people argued that D'Arcy could have been even more emotional and intimidating in her final moments in season 1. But there is still time for that.
The Targaryen civil war will become the focus of the next House of the Dragon season, and there will be no more massive time jumps. The showrunners have confirmed that no one will be recast, and the show will be a lot less of a slow-burner.
The shooting is expected to start in early 2023, but the premiere date is yet to be confirmed.